Broken Windows Theory
QUOTE
Louis D. Brandeis once said…
“Crime is contagious.”
(US Supreme Court Associate Justice.)
CONCEPT
Broken Windows Theory
The Broken Windows Theory is a criminological theory that suggests that visible signs of disorder and misbehavior in an environment encourage further disorder and criminal behavior, leading to serious crimes.
The central premise is that maintaining and monitoring urban environments to prevent small crimes such as vandalism, public drinking, and fare evasion helps to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thereby preventing more serious crimes.
STORY
Less Paint … Less Crime?
In the early 1980s, New York City's subway system was notorious not just for crime but also for its visual appearance—almost every car was covered in graffiti. This graffiti was not only a sign of vandalism but also came to symbolize the city's inability to maintain order in public spaces.
According to the principles of the Broken Windows Theory, such visible signs of disorder promote further disorder and crime, contributing to a dangerous environment.
In an effort to restore order and safety, the New York City Transit Authority launched a massive anti-graffiti campaign. The campaign was a central part of applying the Broken Windows Theory to the subway system.
The goal was clear: make the subways clean and keep them clean. The strategy involved several key steps:
Removal of Graffiti: Every subway car that was tagged with graffiti was immediately taken out of service until the graffiti was removed. This policy was strictly enforced, no matter how minor the graffiti. The transit authority set up dedicated yards with improved security measures to clean the trains and protect them from vandals.
Preventive Measures: To prevent further incidents, the transit authority increased surveillance and security at train yards, where subway cars were stored and maintained. Fences were improved, lighting was enhanced, and patrol routines were increased to deter vandals.
Public Campaign: Alongside physical measures, the Transit Authority initiated a public relations campaign to involve the community and educate the public about the costs and consequences of subway graffiti. This campaign aimed to reduce the cultural acceptance of graffiti as a form of urban art.
Rapid Response: A policy of rapid response to new graffiti was implemented. If a car was tagged, it was cleaned within 24 hours. This quick cleanup was crucial to demonstrating that the authorities were in control and that graffiti would not be tolerated.
By the late 1980s, these efforts began to show results.
The subway cars were largely free of graffiti, which contributed to a general sense of improved safety and order. Commuters and city residents began to see the subway as a cleaner, safer environment, which further discouraged vandalism and other forms of crime.
This initiative laid the groundwork for broader improvements in the subway system and contributed to an over 55% decline in crime rates across New York City during the 1990s.